Chelsea must sell N’Golo Kante to beat Manchester United to Declan Rice transfer

Manchester United target Declan Rice is holding out for a move to Chelsea this summer but the Blues must first offload N’Golo Kante if they’re to sign the West Ham United ace.

The England international is ready to leave the Hammers, having made huge strides in his game over the last 18 months.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on signing Rice last summer but United were put off by the Hammers’ £100m valuation of the midfielder, while Frank Lampard was seemingly desperate to sign the England ace during his time at Stamford Bridge.

While Manchester City have also shown interest, it’s United and Chelsea that will be the main bidders for Rice and the Daily Mail claim Rice would favour a move to Stamford Bridge.

Rice came through Chelsea’s academy before being released at the age of 14 and he still frequently visits his hometown in west London.

He would therefore prefer to remain in the area and feels that Chelsea would provide a better chance of silverware than United, who last won a trophy in 2017.

However, Chelsea will only press ahead with a move if Kante’s six-year stay at the club comes to an end.

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Chelsea do not require another defensive midfielder as it stands and would only be able to afford a £100m+ move for Rice if they offload Kante.

United’s chances of landing Rice could hinge on whether they qualify for the Champions League.

Their win over the Hammers before the winter break helped the Red Devils back into fourth place but they’re vying with West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham for